Making a delicious, hearty beef stew is a classic cooking tradition that transcends generations. However, with the increased pace of modern life, who has hours to simmer a pot on the stove? That’s where the Instant Pot comes to your culinary rescue. Not only does it speed up the cooking process, but it also enhances the flavors, resulting in a mouth-watering dish that you and your family will love.
Why We Love This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe combines quality ingredients and a simple cooking method to create a comforting dish that warms the soul. The beauty of using an Instant Pot lies in its ability to lock in flavors and tenderize your ingredients, particularly tougher cuts of beef. The result? A sumptuous, flavor-packed stew that practically cooks itself, allowing you to focus on what really matters—enjoying a great meal with your loved ones. The combination of melt-in-your-mouth beef, hearty potatoes, and vibrant carrots makes this stew an instant family favorite.
Ingredients about Instant Pot Beef Stew
To create this inviting dish, make sure you gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ lbs. stew meat (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 lbs. potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 8 medium carrots (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups beef broth
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew Directions
Creating this stew is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in just a few simple steps.
Brown the meat: Begin by placing the olive oil in your Instant Pot and selecting the SAUTE setting. Toss the stew meat with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot, browning it on all sides. This step adds depth to the flavors by creating a lovely crust on the meat.
Deglaze the pan: Once browned, add 1 cup of beef broth to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom; this is where the flavor resides. Stir in the remaining beef broth and follow it with the tomato paste. Once combined, press CANCEL to turn off the SAUTE function.
Add ingredients: Now it’s time to pile in the remainder of your ingredients—potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir everything together, ensuring that the ingredients are well-distributed.
Pressure cook: Before you seal it up, make sure your vent is set to SEALED. Close the lid and select MANUAL, adjusting the time to 35 minutes on HIGH PRESSURE.
Release pressure: After the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 15 minutes. Once that’s done, switch to the VENTING position to release any remaining steam.
Thicken: Open the lid carefully. Remove 1 cup of the liquid from the pot and whisk in the cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the pot and stir to thicken the stew to your preference.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew
Now that your beef stew is ready, serving it up is part of the fun! Ladle generous portions into deep bowls, making sure to include a hearty mix of beef, potatoes, and carrots. For a touch of freshness, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, like parsley or chives. This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad, making for a satisfying complete meal.
If you’re feeling indulgent, consider offering a side of buttered bread for dipping into the rich broth. This method is not just practical but also ensures that every bite is filled with warmth and comfort, making your meal even more delightful.
Expert Tips: Instant Pot Beef Stew
Creating the perfect beef stew in your Instant Pot involves some helpful tips to consider:
- Choose the right meat: Always opt for a tougher cut of beef like chuck roast, as it will become tender and flavorful during the cooking process.
- Don’t skip browning: This step adds significant flavor to your stew, so take the time to brown the meat properly.
- Use low-sodium broth: If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium beef broth can help you control the saltiness of your stew.
- Add vegetables wisely: Consider the cooking times of different vegetables. If you like your carrots to have a bit of crunch, add them halfway through the pressure cooking cycle.
- Thickening options: If you prefer a thicker stew, feel free to add more cornstarch, or you can also mash a portion of the potatoes in the stew for a natural thickening effect.
How to Store Instant Pot Beef Stew
Storing your leftover Instant Pot Beef Stew is simple! Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you need longer storage, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers to maintain its quality—frozen stew can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it either on the stove or in the microwave until it’s warmed through.
Variation of Instant Pot Beef Stew
While this beef stew recipe is classic and satisfying, it’s also very versatile! You can easily modify it to suit your taste preferences or to incorporate seasonal vegetables. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Mushroom addition: Adding sliced mushrooms enhances the umami flavor and texture of the stew.
- Add green beans: For a pop of color and additional nutrients, throw in some chopped green beans alongside the other vegetables.
- Sweet potatoes: Swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to add sweetness and a different texture to the stew.
- Spice it up: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix.
FAQ about Instant Pot Beef Stew
What is the main ingredient in Instant Pot Beef Stew?
The most critical ingredient in this stew is, of course, the meat—stew meat, typically a tough cut like chuck, which becomes incredibly tender after cooking.
How long do you cook beef stew in an Instant Pot?
The recommended cooking time for beef stew in the Instant Pot is 35 minutes at high pressure, followed by a natural release of pressure for 15 minutes.
Can I cook beef stew in the Instant Pot without browning the meat?
While it’s possible to skip browning, doing so will result in a stew that lacks depth of flavor. Browning creates a rich base that enhances the flavor profile of the dish.
Can I use frozen beef for stew in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it might take longer to come to pressure and may need more cooking time. Make sure to cut the beef into smaller pieces if possible.
What should I serve with Instant Pot Beef Stew?
This delicious stew pairs excellently with crusty bread, biscuits, or over rice. A crisp salad on the side can add freshness to this hearty meal.
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ lbs stew meat (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 lbs potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 8 medium carrots (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups beef broth
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 pieces bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE and heat the olive oil. Season the stew meat with salt and pepper, then add to the pot to brown on all sides.
- Deglaze the pot with 1 cup of beef broth, scraping up any brown bits. Stir in the remaining broth and tomato paste.
- Add potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Seal the lid, set the vent to SEALED, and cook on MANUAL for 35 minutes at HIGH PRESSURE.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then switch to VENTING to release any remaining steam.
- Remove 1 cup of liquid, whisk in cornstarch, and return it to the pot to thicken the stew.
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